“It was nice that they found the right winner in the end, but it took a bit of joy when it turned out the way it did,” says Korsgren.

For Team Ramudden’s Lina Korsgren and the other Pro Team skiers in Visma Ski Classics, there is no room for so many different races than the Pro Tour ones during the season. Tjejvasan, however, is an exception.

What does Tjejvasan mean as a race for you and Swedish women’s skiing?

“It is a very important race for us who are and have been developing the sport. It is also a gateway to long-distance skiing for girls who get to feel a longer distance with a mass start,” says Korsgren and continues:

“I also think it can inspire women who watch the race on TV, and among us elite skiers, it is prestigious to win the race.”

Tjejvasan is, of course, also an important form check a week before the Vasaloppet.

How are your thoughts ahead of the race on Saturday?

I have not started to focus on Tjejvasan yet. I have needed a few quiet days at home after Tartu, but of course, I look forward to the race on Saturday,” says Lina Korsgren when Langd.se talked to her on Tuesday.

Last year, Korsgren Tjejvasan won for the first time after many podium places in previous years. However, there was a lot that was special then. On the one hand, the finish was not the regular one due to the pandemic, and the finish line was at the Zorn Museum. On the other hand, there was a commotion after the finish when Britta Johansson Norgren was first declared the winner, but after checking the photo finish, Lina got the victory wreath.

“Yes, it was a bit special last year with all things. It was nice that they found the right winner in the end, but it took a bit of joy when it turned out the way it did,” says Korsgren.

In the 63-kilometer-long Tartu Marathon on Sunday, Korsgren finished fourth, almost more than 2 minutes and 30 seconds behind Johansson Norgren.

Are you feeling tired after Tartu Maraton?

“No more than after a typical long race. But of course, it was a tough race, and you were very much off track.

How was your body feeling?

“One of the best this winter. The body felt great, and I hope that says something about the shape for the upcoming races.”

Despite the fine form, Lina could not follow Britta in the race.

“Britta had a gap before the climb checkpoint, but I could up. Then she just slipped away from me. They had succeeded extremely well with the skis, and they were completely outstanding, says Korsgren and continues:

“We have had really good skis in other races, and this time it was not bad, but they had found something like no other this time. It’s just hats off”.

Last year, the elite women started for the first time separately in the Vasaloppet, 20 minutes before the men. However, this year, it is a mass start for all skiers again. Something that Lina Korsgren does not like.

“I relate to what has been decided, but I would have preferred our own start time. We deserve it! I think it should be in such an incredibly important race,” she says and adds:

“Of course, it is a cool experience with the big start with all Vasaloppet skiers behind, but from a sporting perspective, we should have our own start.”

What do you do in terms of training before Tjejvasan and then Vasaloppet?

“There is not much time to do anything, but I try to get in some special sessions. Some interval workouts that I am comfortable with, but otherwise mostly distance workouts, and then it is important to refuel energy.

How are the conditions at home in Åre?

“It’s a lot of snow this year. It’s especially nice,” Korsgren concludes.